To Wax or Not to Wax?

I'm trying a different wax. Turtle Wax "ICE."

"Ice liquid wax contains new cutting-edge Smart Shield Technology. A unique blend of interlocking synthetic polymers that builds an invisible barrier to provide superior weather proof protection. With the most advanced shine chemistry and UV protection available, Ice liquid wax enriches color and prevents fading, providing an unbeatable brilliant shine that lasts. Easy on and off formula leaves no white residue. Fills in surface swirl marks and hides minor paint imperfections, resilient durability of that lasts in extreme conditions."

"Ice liquid wax can be effortlessly applied to virtually all exterior surfaces of your car including flat paint, headlights, plastic trim, and chrome surfaces without leaving a white residue behind. Easy to use, providing radiant shine and outstanding water beating and protection that keeps on working long after most ordinary waxes are gone."

----

Do you believe all that??? First thing I noticed, is it's a very thin liquid. Goes on easy, and dries in only a minute to two. Very easy to wipe off. I haven't tried it on any plastic trim yet. Car is nice and shiny.

There was something weird (the smell?) in the Meguiar's wax I was using. It was attracting little gnats and flies. They loved sitting on my car after I waxed it. Haven't seen any bugs after using the Turtle Wax.

 

I use a Swiffer and store it in the glove box.

 

I had some of this about 6-7 years ago when it first came out over here. It's a good product in that it's easy to apply and you can even polish your black trim and window rubbers without a residue. There is another product in the range called Turtle wax ICE detailer, which is an even thinner version of the same stuff, which can be used for a quick detail in between waxes. They may have improved it in the last 6-7 years but the only downside I found with the ICE wax is it's not very durable. Whereas a normal wax would last 6-8 weeks or more the ICE only lasted about half that before requiring re-applying. FYI the detailer can also be used as a lubricant if you're thinking of using a clay bar to smooth the finish before waxing.

 

I've been using this on the white surfaces and on the gloss black vinyl wrap - looks good and is very easy. The Pep Boys people recommended it!

 

I had some of this about 6-7 years ago when it first came out over here. It's a good product in that it's easy to apply and you can even polish your black trim and window rubbers without a residue. There is another product in the range called Turtle wax ICE detailer, which is an even thinner version of the same stuff, which can be used for a quick detail in between waxes. They may have improved it in the last 6-7 years but the only downside I found with the ICE wax is it's not very durable. Whereas a normal wax would last 6-8 weeks or more the ICE only lasted about half that before requiring re-applying. FYI the detailer can also be used as a lubricant if you're thinking of using a clay bar to smooth the finish before waxing.

 

Yeah, I saw that. I was using Griot's engine detailed on the Camry. Excellent product.

 

View attachment 115837 View attachment 115837

Yeah, I saw that. I was using Griot's engine detail spray on my Camry. Excellent product.

 

Here's my thoughts on waxing. Wax it. The wax helps protect the clear coat. If you keep the car in a garage you can probably wax it 4-5 a year.... If it sits outside all the time probably more like once a month. Generally speaking anyway.

I for one definitely suggest the spray on wax, the Turtle Wax ICE mentioned in a previous post is great. You can use it on glass as well. When I had the Challenger I used a wax applicator, that's all fine and dandy but it is a lot of work and I've found that no matter how careful I am I tend to get the wax on plastic parts or leave bits of wax on the car. Getting the wax off of plastic is a pain and have to use other cleaners to remove it which might harm the looks of the plastic. So my thoughts are to use spray on or only use the max on conspicuous places like the hood, doors, etc.

At any rate if you use the spay on wax on glass, do not let the wax dry, it will smear. If you do right, it will be like having Rain X without the glare. Using the spray on wax on the paint, do allow it to try.

The other thing I will mention seeing some might want to keep under the hood clean. Despite whatever the owner's manual says about it, do not ever spray under the hood with a garden hose. Far to easy to get water in places where it doesn't belong, air intake, wire harnesses, cause corrosion, etc. It's just a bad idea. You might be able to decrease or wipe off the dirt but anything else you're asking for trouble in my opinion.

 

I like that.

My patience (and back) will only put up with waxing twice yearly, and with ours being garage stored and seeing a lot less use, I'm starting to think about once yearly, but yeah, keep up with the waxing. It's relaxing, not taxing...., more fun than faxing.

(Last sentence is shameless rip-off from the Furniture on the Mend guys.)

Yes. Just brush, dust, use compressed air. Don't spray water in there, and for chrisakes never use a petroleum based cleaner, just think where the run-off ends up.

 

Good tips, axle. I have used Meguiar's Liquid wax, and now Turtle Wax Liquid on the plastic parts, and it seems to work very well. (hand applied, not the spray.) Doesn't leave any residue, and wipes off very easy. It even says on the Turtle Wax bottle that's it's ok for plastic, headlights, etc. However, I'm not going to do the plastic every time.

In the old days, yeah, when the wax got on the black plastic it was heck to get off. And does anybody know how to clean/detail a Prius engine? One thing I hate, is a dirty motor! (Not to mention it probably sucks for the mechanic to work on.) I sprayed the crap outa my Camry engine... soap, water, degreaser, at least 6 times a year and it never missed a beat. Thankfully! (That photo I posted is my 11 yr old engine.) So if anybody knows about cleaning a Prius engine, please chime in here. For now, I just wipe the motor down with a damp cloth every time I wash the car.

 

My Prius is 100% parked outside, in the sun. I try not to get so obsessed about it, and even told myself to not wash it so often.... That lasted all of 2 weeks. So I'm back to washing it every weekend, and waxing once (or twice) a month.

What can I say, I'm a bored retired guy. It's pretty sad, I guess, when you actually look forward to washing/waxing your little Pre-Eye! (And yes, it does definitely strains the ol' back sometimes.)

 

Light spray of Simple Green, lightly brush as much as possible and then hose off. Hose is set on a spray setting which is gentle enough to water my flower garden also. I also spray water into and around the wheel wells, into the grill and under the front and rear bumpers. I am often surprised how much sand and road gunk gets flushed out.

 

Thanks, Don. So I guess all that hybrid stuff won't shock me, will it? But I already lost my hair, so no biggie.
And I'm right with you on spraying the wheel wells, grill, etc.

 

The HV battery is isolated by a relay when the car is off. Chance of electrical issues are pretty low for the engine compartment.

 

BTW/ they changed the formula a several years back on that drying out issue. Never had the problem so I don't know when it cropped up in the product and when it was fixed. But the non gloss stuff is excellent and cheap.
I use Amour All on every car and 2001 on every car. My wife wipes the excess off with her dress.

Did both cars as soon as I got them home. That clear coat is paint and not wax. You still need protection from the sun, and road elements. Also the bugs come off easier when you wax/treat a car.

 

Leaves changing yet?

 

Two great posts in a row. You going for a record?????????

 

The very dry summer has a few trees going to brown, but not any good colors yet.

 

Spot on. Simple and works fine last a longtime.

 

Think about a breathable car cover.